The European Union has expressed its willingness to deepen trade and economic engagement with Bangladesh, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to stronger cooperation.
The issue came up during a meeting between Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and a delegation led by EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller at the Secretariat on Wednesday.
At the meeting, the two sides reviewed various aspects of bilateral trade, investment opportunities and broader economic collaboration.
The commerce minister described the EU as one of Bangladesh’s key trading partners and said the government is keen to further consolidate the relationship.
“We are working to create a more business-friendly environment. Over the last few years, economic growth has slowed and investment inflow has not been at the expected level,” he said.
Noting that nearly two million people join the workforce annually, Muktadir emphasised the need for increased foreign investment to generate employment and stimulate growth.
He urged the EU to expand its investment footprint in Bangladesh.
Ambassador Michael Miller said the EU is interested in accelerating trade ties and enhancing cooperation across sectors.
He called for efforts to address non-tariff barriers and underlined the importance of diversifying Bangladesh’s export basket to ensure sustainable trade growth.
The EU envoy also stressed maintaining a level playing field to strengthen long-term economic partnership between Bangladesh and European countries.
State Minister for Commerce Md Shariful Alam and senior ministry officials attended the meeting.
The EU delegation included ambassadors from Spain, Denmark, France, Sweden, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands, along with the EU trade adviser to Bangladesh.
